Tamil Nadu farmers, fishermen at the heart of nation’s growth: Governor Ravi

In his Republic Day address on Monday (January 26, 2026), Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi said farmers and fishermen of the State have long been at the heart of nation’s growth. “Today, many young and progressive farmers are leading the way in natural and organic farming, blending traditional knowledge with modern technology to nurture the soil, produce healthy food, and sustain high yields.”

This movement drew inspiration from G. Nammalvar whose vision continues to guide the country’s journey in sustainable agriculture, he said. In November 2025, thousands of these farmers showcased their innovation at Coimbatore, earning praise from Prime Minister who highlighted in the 128^th episode of Mann Ki Baat the remarkable efforts of South India’s young professionals in adopting natural farming and emphasised that promoting it is our duty to protect Mother Earth, the Governor said.

Noting Tamil Nadu has the finest human resource, the Governor urged the youth, women, farmers, fishermen, weavers, artisans and all sections of our society to commit themselves to the pledge of ‘nation first’. Observing that democracy was our living heritage, he said that it ran in our DNA and was reflected in the day-to-day life of our people since thousands of years. The Uttaramerur inscriptions stood as a glorious testament to the country’s ancient and sophisticated traditions of participatory self-governance, he said.

Pointing out there has been a quantum transformation in infrastructure, with world-class roads, railways, airports, and seaports reshaping connectivity and economic potential, he said that Tamil Nadu has been a key beneficiary, with the current railway budget allocation of ₹6,626 crore, modernising over 80 stations and enhancing regional connectivity through Vande Bharat trains. Multi-modal developments were enhancing mobility, facilitating trade, generating employment and improving access to goods and opportunities, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s economy and the quality of life of its people, he noted.

“Healthy competition among States is driving efficiency and innovation,” he said. Policy reforms and structural measures were further catalyzing growth, enabling regions once considered lagging to script new success stories, he said. Recalling the recent celebrations of the legacy of the Cholas, Mr. Ravi said the 1,000^th year of Rajendra Chola was celebrated as a grand festival at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The Union Ministry of Culture actively assisted the celebrations, he said.

“We also celebrated the deep and ancient connect between Tamil Nadu and Kashi through the annual Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, a festival conceived and guided by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to rejuvenate the millennia-old cultural and spiritual continuum linking the two regions,” he said.